Photos from March, 2008

CAMPIA TURZII, Romania — An Air Force F-15 from the 48th Fighter Wing at RAF Lakenheath, UK, arrives March 26 in support of the Air Force's efforts to augment NATO air policing over Romania in support of the NATO Summit April 2-4. The summit will host leaders from NATO member nations, including President George W. Bush. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Senior Airman Teresa M. Hawkins) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CLU-NAPOKA, Romania — Air Force Chaplain (Capt.) Eric Boyer, 404th Air Expeditionary Group chaplain, meets Romanian Orthodox Church Archbishop Valeriu Anania during a trip to a cathedral here. The meeting concluded a "spiritual relations" visit between Romanian Military Chaplains and Chaplain Boyer during his deployment to Campia Turzii, Romania in support of Operation Noble Endeavor. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MONROVIA, Liberia — Republic of Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and U.S. Ambassador Donald E. Booth cut the ribbon at a ceremony to commemorate the delivery of medical supplies donated by Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) March 26. The supplies were delivered to Monrovia by US Navy's High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2). The ship and her crew are here in support of Africa Partnership Station, executed by a multi-national staff aboard Swift (HSV 2) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). During the deployment, Swift will work with various government and non-governmental organizations to support humanitarian assistance efforts, ongoing regional meteorological and oceanography initiatives and host fisheries training events in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MONROVIA, Liberia — Major Jason P. Smith, convoy commander and amphibious assault officer, takes time away from convoy operations to interact and play with some Liberian children during a convoy to deliver humanitarian supplies throughout the city of Monrovia, Liberia. (Photo by: US Marine Corps Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
HAIFA NAVAL BASE, Israel — Secretary of the Navy (SECNAV) the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter receives a tour of an Israeli Navy Eilat-class Corvette, INS Lavhav (SAAR 502), during a visit here on March 24. Winter is on a three-day visit to Israel in support of the strong relationship and collaboration between the Israel and U.S. naval forces. Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Kevin S. O'Brien. Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MONROVIA, Liberia — Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Daniel Branham, Assault Craft Unit TWO, signals the pilot of the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) roll-on/roll-off discharge facility March 24, as it approaches the INLS causeway where USNS 2nd Lt. John Bobo is moored as part of the Navy's West Africa Training Cruise 08 (WATC), a sea basing initiative in conjunction with Africa Partnership Station. WATC is the first time the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS), including the causeway ferries and the roll-on/roll-off discharge faculty, has ever been constructed at sea. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Elizabeth Merriam) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BUCHANON, Liberia — Marine Sgt. Matthew Heen (Left), and Navy Musician Second Class Justin Benge, perform for students, teachers and staff at the Basa Secondary School here, March 22. The performance is provided by Africa Partnership Station (APS) Brass Quintet. This is the first time a band has played in the city since 1989 and marks the first ever for APS. APS Band, a detachment of the Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe Band, stationed in Naples, Italy, has played numerous events across West and Central Africa to help build partnerships and spread the love of music to people everywhere. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jason Morris) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MONROVIA, Liberia — Members of the U.S. Navy Cargo Handling Battalion ONE, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, guide a Marine Humvee off of USNS 2nd Lt. John P. Bobo onto the deck of a roll-on/roll-off discharge facility March 22 as part of the Navy's West Africa Training Cruise 08 (WATC), a sea-basing initiative in conjunction with Africa Partnership Station. WATC is the first time the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS), including the causeway ferries and the roll-on/roll-off discharge faculty has ever been constructed at sea. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communications Specialist Elizabeth Merriam) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MEDITERRANEAN SEA — Members of the visit, board, search and seizure teams of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13) and the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) board Landing Craft Utility (LCU) 1657 during a maritime security operation (MSO) training exercise March 20. Both ships are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility supporting theater security cooperation efforts. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
USS FORT MCHENRY, at sea — Marines from 4th Landing Support Battalion and Sailors from Amphibious Construction Battalion 2, position a seven-ton Medium Tactical Vehicle as it is moved from the USNS 2nd Lt. John Bobo, a maritime prepositioning ship, onto the Improved Navy Lighterage System (INLS) March 21. The Marines are transferring the equipment in order to evaluate the INLS at sea and to conduct a humanitarian assistance mission in Monrovia, Liberia as part of West African Training Cruise 2008. The WATC 08 exercise began March 17 and runs through April 5 in concert with the ongoing African Partnership Station deployment with a focus on the delivery of humanitarian assistance supplies to various clinics and schools here from a sea-based command. (Department of Defense photo by Marine Sgt. Rocco DeFilippis) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
VALETTA, Malta — Sailors stationed aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Nassau (LHA 4) participate in a community relations (COMREL) project painting Mother Theresa's Missionary of Charity House during a port visit here March 17. Nassau is deployed as the flagship supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Rustum Rivera) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GULF OF GUINEA — Navy Lt. Cmdr. Thomas Kait, executive officer, USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43), teaches procedures on underway replenishment to Lts. Nsikan Friday and Mohamed Olanrewaju Zubair of the Nigerian Navy alongside USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) March 18. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class RJ Stratchko) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany — U.S. Army Maj. Benedict Conboy, a civil-military affairs officer with Supreme Allied Command Europe, adds to the discussion on building host nation capacity and legitimacy, during the Program for Security, Stability, Transition and Reconstruction at the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies here March 20. The Marshall Center's newest course focuses on the why, when and how of a nation's participation in multinational stability operations. The first class, with 43 military and civilian participants from 34 countries, runs from March 12 to April 1. (Department of Defense photo by Bundeswehr Master Sgt. Mark Winkler) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MIESAU, Germany — Polizeioberkommissar Thorsten Quarti, from the Polizeiprasidium (Police Headquarters) Westpfalz in Kaiserslautern, and Army Staff Sgt. Craig Brown, 230th Military Police Company, plant a Water Gel explosive training aid March 14 at one of the warehouses on Miesau Army Depot. (Department of Defense photo by Christine June) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MEDITERRANEAN SEA — U.S. Navy Sailors pull away from the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13) in a rigid hull inflatable boat March 16 while under way in the Mediterranean Sea. Nashville is deployed with the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group supporting maritime security and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MEDITERRANEAN SEA — Members of the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56) visit, board, search and seizure team ride their rigid-hull inflatable boat towards the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13) during a training exercise March 18. Both ships are operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman)hompson Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MOSCOW — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets Russian President Vladimir Putin as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice looks on at the Kremlin here March 17, 2008. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MYKOLAIV, Ukraine — Amb. W. Taylor, U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine, answers questions from local reporters here March 17, after a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Oblast AIDS Center In-patient facility. The Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) chose the Mykolaiv AIDS Prevention and Treatment Center for a humanitarian assistance project for a full renovation. The ODC donated over $177,000 and were able to rewire, repaint and improve plumbing for the center. The contract was funded in September 2007, and was complete in February 2008. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAUMHOLDER, Germany — U.S. Army Soldiers from Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 35th Armored Regiment, run from thier humvee to a building during room-clearing training on military operations at an urban terrain site here March 14. (Department of Defense photo by Ruediger Hess) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
Department of Defense official file photo of the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13). Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MOSCOW — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets Russian Gen. Vladimir Nikishin at Vnukovo International airport outside Moscow March 17. Gates is in Moscow to have meetings with U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and Russian President Vladimir Putin and President-elect Dmitriiy Medvedev. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MOSCOW — U.S. Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates meets Russian President-elect Dmitriiy Medvedev as U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice looks on at the Kremlin here March 17. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jerry Morrison) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SOUDA BAY, Crete — The guided-missile cruisers USS San Jacinto (CG 56), left, and the USS Philippine Sea (CG 58) moored side-by-side at the Marathi NATO Pier Facility for a port visit March 14. The Ticonderoga-class cruisers are deployed to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations and theater security coordination efforts. (Deparment of Defense photo by Paul Farley) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PRINCIPE, Sao Tome and Principe — Africa Partnership Station (APS) Sailors and members of the Principe military off-load medical and school supplies destined for the Principe hospital and secondary schools here, March 12. These donations were made possible through the combined efforts of APS and Project Handclasp. Project Handclasp receives, collects, consolidates and stores humanitarian, educational, and goodwill material for transportation on naval vessels and distribution by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel on behalf of American citizens to needy people overseas. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jason Morris) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GULF OF GUINEA — Atsu Bennet Foli, a University of Ghana graduate student, prepares to use an Expendable Bathythermograph (XBT) caster as High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) crew member Navy Mineman 2nd Class Matthew Rishovd looks on. In support of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Atlantic Meteorological and Oceanography Laboratory (NOAA/AOML), Swift hosted a three-day, at-sea training event in oceanographic data collection for an international audience of 24 March 11-13 as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS). APS is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa-led initiative, executed by a multi-national staff aboard High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). During its deployment, Swift is working with various government and non-government organizations to support ongoing regional meteorological and oceanography initiatives, host fisheries training events, and deliver humanitarian aid to African nations. (Departmen Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MEDITERRANEAN SEA — Members of a firefighting team aboard the amphibious transport dock ship USS Nashville (LPD 13), practice using a firefighting hose during a mass casualty drill March 11. Nashville is a part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group operating in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ACCRA, Ghana — U.S. Army Captain Brian Smith and U.S. Army Specialist Steven Mraz of the 64th Medical Detachment Veterinary Services inoculate a pair of baby goats as a local Ghanaian observes the procedure here March 12. The two army veterinarians traveled throughout the Accra suburb of Abokobi performing inoculations on local livestock as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS). APS is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa-led initiative, executed by a multi-national staff aboard High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). During its deployment, Swift will work with various government and non-government organizations to deliver humanitarian aid to African countries as well as distribute and maintenance various types of meteorological equipment essential in monitoring the environment in West and Central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GARMISCH, Germany — Delegates from the Healthcare focus group contemplate their ideas prior to presenting their top two issues affecting service members and their families for input to senior defense leaders here March 12. The week-long meetings provided 62 delegates from throughout the European theater an opportunity to share ideas and develop solutions at the annual U.S. European Command hosted Quality of Life Conference. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Capt. Darrick Lee) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — 86th Airlift Wing C-130s prepare to depart here March 5 for mass tactical training, allowing aircrew to maintain proficiency in large formation flying and airdrop operations. (Department of Defense photo by Senior Airman Melissa Sheffield) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GARMISCH, Germany — Marine Lt. Col. Matt Girard, Quality of Life healthcare facilitator, encourages discussion from delegates during a focus group here March 11. Girard facilitates one of five focus groups, which allow service members and their families an opportunity to develop issues and present them to senior leaders in an upcoming executive steering committee meeting. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Rob Hazelett) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CAMP VEARNES, Norway — Minnesota National Guard soldiers follow along behind a track vehicle as they conduct cold-weather training here March 8. The soldiers are participating in the 35th annual U.S./Norwegian Troop Reciprocal Exchange, a two-week training and cultural exchange program. (Department of Defense photo by Air National Guard Tech. Sgt. Jason Rolfe) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany — Airmen here recently hosted four air traffic controllers from the Rwandan Defense Force, giving them a first-hand look at how the U.S. Air Force takes care of business on the airfield. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PORT GENTILE, Gabon — Students of the Matanda school watch Navy Construction Electrician 3rd Class Steven Joachim as he installs lighting to help light common areas for the children March 8. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, Africa Partnership Staion, provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class RJ Stratchko) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PORT GENTILE, Gabon — U.S. Marine Sgt. Rebecca Hass from Africa Partnership Station (APS) teaches non-commissioned officer leadership course to Gabonese Sailors here March 6. As part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries, to address common threats of illegal fishing, smuggling, and human trafficking. In addition to maritime training, APS will perform more than 20 humanitarian projects in the region. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class RJ Stratchko) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
GARMISCH, Germany — Retired U.S. Army Gen. George Joulwan, former U.S. European Command commander (left), U.S. Army Spc. Michele Lawson, AFN Europe reporter, and Dan Robinson, AFN Europe chief of information, prepare to film a public service announcement at the Quality of Life Conference here, March 10. Joulwan, who founded the conference in 1996, provided opening remarks to the delegates during the meeting's introduction. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Capt. Darrick Lee) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PORT GENTIL, Gabon — Africa Partnership Station (APS) Sailors unload supplies donated by Project Handclasp to St. Theresa's Church here March 4. Project Handclasp and APS, in coordination with French joint forces based in Gabon, donated nine pallets of medical and hygiene supplies, sewing machines and fabrics, and children's toys here. Project Handclasp receives, collects, consolidates and stores humanitarian, educational, and goodwill material for transportation on naval vessels and distribution by U.S. Navy and Marine Corps personnel on behalf of American citizens to needy people overseas. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jason Morris) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
Garmisch, Germany — Navy Cmdr. Dave Rhone (center), Quality of Life community services facilitator, and Navy Master-at-Arms Senior Chief Beth Walker, Quality of Life community services recorder, discuss issues with delegates during the Quality of Life conference March 9 at the Edelweiss resort here. More than 60 delegates are attending the conference to share ideas, develop issues and shape policy for priority list input to senior defense leaders. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Capt. Darrick Lee) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ISTANBUL, Turkey — Information Technician Seaman Kevin Edge throws a heaving line to a line handler on the pier to secure USS San Jacinto (CG 56) as it arrives in port here March 8. San Jacinto is operating in the Black Sea as part of a larger international team effort to improve maritime safety and security for a region free of trans-national threats built on cooperative security that uses existing political-military constructs. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Henry) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAUMHOLDER, Germany — Jeffrey Morrison (right), deployment specialist, Director of Logistics, 21st Theater Sustainment Command, explains the process of loading vehicles onto the railcars to Botswanan officers Capt. Kabo Moswenyane, Lt. Gaopale Swereki and Maj. Ompatile Modisenyane, on March 5. (Department of Defense photo by Sgt. Phillip Valentine) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England — An F-15E Strike Eagle from the 492nd Fighter Squadron is marshalled into a hot pit refueling session March 3 here. The hot pit allows crews to recover and launch aircraft at a faster pace, by refueling the aircraft while the engines are still running. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Airman Perry Aston) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TEMA, Ghana — Members of U.S. Navy Construction Battalion 40 and U.S. Navy Construction Battalion 74, Ghanaian service members and volunteers from Project Hope (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) unload donated medical supplies at the Manhean Medical Clinic, here as part of Africa Partnership Station (APS) March 5. APS is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa-led initiative, executed by a multi-national staff aboard High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). During its deployment, Swift will work with various government and non-government organizations to deliver humanitarian aid to African countries as well as distribute and maintenance various types of meteorological equipment essential in monitoring the environment in west and central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TEMA, Ghana — Robin Jones, certified Nurse-Midwife, demonstrates proper fetal placement to a group of 34 Ghanaian Nurse-Midwives aboard High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2), as part of Africa Partnership (APS) March 5. APS is a U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa-led initiative, executed by a multi-national staff aboard High Speed Vessel Swift (HSV 2) and amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43). During its deployment, Swift will work with various government and non-government organizations to deliver humanitarian aid to African countries as well as distribute and maintenance various types of meteorological equipment essential in monitoring the environment in west and central Africa. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Campbell) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
KOSOVO — U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Larry Dean and Spc. Tony Weatherman help clear the road for vehicles enroute to one of the guard posts between the Kosovo and Serbian borders March 4. Dean and Weatherman are assigned to Battery A, 1st Battalion, 194 Field Artillery Regiment. (Department of Defense photo by Army Spc. Tegan Kucera) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ATLANTIC OCEAN — Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Brandley Sinoc waves an SH-60 Seahawk in for a landing onto the flight deck of the guided-missile destroyer USS Ross (DDG 71) Feb. 25. Ross is part of the Nassau Expeditionary Strike Group conducting maritime security operations in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of responsibility. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Cory Rose) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROYAL AIR FORCE, Mildenhall — Airmen from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., disembark from a C-17 Globemaster III here Feb. 28. The 817th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron will call the base home for the next two months. The unit typically performs heavy airlift operations from Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, but has relocated here due to extensive renovation on the 10,000 foot runway there. (Department of Defense phot by Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Eric Petosky) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LUZAKA, Zambia — U.S. Coast Guard instructor Tobias Dodgen pretends to be a suspicious traveler halted by Zambian security personnel during a training course here Feb. 27. Dodgen, a petty officer 2nd class, is part of the Coast Guard's International Training Division, home-based in Yorktown, Virginia. He was one of three Coast Guard instructors who taught a weeklong course in port security to Zambian military and security personnel at the request of the Zambian government and coordinated by the U.S. Embassy. Zambia is landlocked, but one of its important border crossings is on Lake Tanganyika. Each year, the Coast Guard sends training teams to dozens of countries worldwide to provide technical training. (Department of Defense photo Vince Crawley) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England — Air Force 1st Lt. Jessica Bishop, 351st Air Refueling Squadron, simulates turning a KC-135 Stratotanker in one of the many worldwide landscape scenarios used in the simulator here. The KC-135 costs about $25 million, but one hour of training in the simulator costs around one-tenth the amount it costs to fly an actual jet for the same amount of time. (Department of Defense photo by Karen Abeyasekere) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PORT GENTIL, Gabon — U.S. Navy Commodore John Nowell, commander, Africa Partnership Station (APS) and a Gabonese student dance to music performed by the APS band at Lycee Technical Secondary School March 4. The APS band, a detachment of Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa Band stationed in Naples, Italy, is playing at various schools and community centers in Gabon to share music and friendship with the Gabonese people. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. Commander Task Force 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked on board USS Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Chief Mass Communication Specialist Jason Morris) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
SEVASTOPOL, Ukraine — Navy Capt. Mathew M. Sharpe, USS San Jacinto (CG 56) commanding officer, presents Sevastopol City Manager Sergiy Kunitsyn, a ship's coin during a meeting at city hall after arriving for a port visit here Mar. 3, 2008. USS San Jacinto is operating in the Black Sea as part of a larger international team effort to improve maritime safety and security for a region free of trans-national threats built on cooperative security that uses existing political-military constructs. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Henry) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
TIRANA, Albania — Army Col. Mike Anderson, U.S. European Command Inspector General (left), discusses "IG Outreach" with Army Col. Mustafa Xhemalaj, Albanian Minister of Defense IG, at the "Balkans Regional IG Outreach seminar" here Feb 27. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
PORT GENTIL, Gabon — Students from the Gabonese military arrive onboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) Mar. 3, for training with Africa Partnership Station (APS). These students plan to receive training in various APS topics such as pier and waterside sentry, specialized medical training and maritime law. Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. Commander Task Force 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked on board Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class R. J. Stratchko) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ATLANTIC OCEAN — An SH-60 Seahawk helicopter takes off from the amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) during an underway replenishment with the Military Sealift Command fleet replenishment oiler USNS Patuxent (T-AO 201) Feb. 29. Both ships are part of the Nassau Strike Group conducting maritime security operations with the U.S. 6th Fleet. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Coleman Thompson) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
DOUALA, Cameroon — Army Gen. William "Kip" Ward greets officers of the Cameroonian military after his arrival Feb. 21 on his first trip to Cameroon as the commander of U.S. Africa Command. While in Cameroon Ward discussed bi-lateral military relations, and AFRICOM's role and mission with Cameroonian President Paul Biya, Prime Minister Ephraim Inoni and other senior Cameroonian officials. He also visited the USS Fort McHenry, command ship of Africa Partnership Station (APS). "Africa Partnership Station is a good example of what AFRICOM is all about," Ward said following the visit. "This U.S. Naval Forces Europe-led initiative provides for security of the people and assures long-term development. To date, APS operators have trained more than 600 African volunteer sailors from nine countries in areas such a leadership, Maritime Security Awareness, small boat handling, and martial arts." (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
STUTTGART, Germany — Army Gen. Bantz Craddock, U.S. European Command commander (left), Navy Master Chief Petty Officer Troy Ivie, Special Operations Command Europe Command Master Chief (center), and Navy Rear Adm. William McRaven (right), stand at at attention during McRaven's departare ceremony here Feb. 29. McRaven has been nominated for appointment to the grade of vice admiral and assignment as commander, Joint Special Operations Command and commander Joint Special Operations Command Forward, U.S. Special Operations Command, Fort Bragg, N.C. (Department of Defense photo) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
BAMAKO, Mali — U.S. Army Gen. William E. "Kip" Ward (left), Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure and U.S. Ambassador to Mali Terence McCulley, share a moment at the presidential palace here February 26. The three leaders met while Ward was in the capital city to attend a seminar, sponsored by the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, for members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). (Department of Defense photo by Jaime L. Wood) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LIMBE, Cameroon — Africa Partnership Station (APS) Sailors and Cameroon Naval forces onboard the amphibious dock landing ship USS Fort McHenry (LSD 43) work together to load medical supplies donated by Project Handclasp onto a Landing Craft (LCM), a detachment of Naval Beach Group TWO (NBG2), for transport to Limbe, Naval Base, Feb. 28. Delivery and transportation of the materials donated was made possible through the efforts of African Partnership Station (APS). Part of the U.S. Navy's Global Fleet Station, APS provides a platform with the capacity and persistent presence to support sustained, focused training and collaboration on a regional scale to maritime partners in West and Central Africa. Commander Task Force 365 and training teams from various U.S. and European military commands, as well as governmental and non-governmental organizations are embarked on board Fort McHenry to enhance cooperative partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
VARNA, Bulgaria — Navy Capt. George Walter, commander Task Force Three Six Seven, presents Zulfinas, a child at the Karin Dom Center here with a command coin for her fifth birthday Feb. 27. The Karin Dom Center provides early intervention therapy for children with physical disabilities, mental and learning problems and visual and hearing problems. Forty-seven USS San Jacinto (CG 56) Sailors spent two days visiting the children and volunteering during the ship's port visit here. USS San Jacinto is operating in the Black Sea as part of a larger international team effort to improve maritime safety and security for a region free of trans-national threats built on cooperative security that uses existing political-military constructs. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Henry) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
MAYUMBA, Gabon — U.S. Navy Boatswain's Mate 1st Class Jack Bustillos of the Expeditionary Training Command (ETC) from Africa Partnership Station (APS), teaches Radio Operator, Theodore Kindou Guivigou of the Gabonese Navy, how to moor the Gabonese Navy Rodman patrol boat here Feb. 25. While in Mayumba, the ETC training team is working with the Gabonese Navy and other organizations that play a role in fisheries control and surveillance, such as the Gabonese Department of Fisheries. Training partners were identified by the non-governmental organization Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS). As a part of the Navy's new cooperative maritime strategy, APS is a multi-national effort to bring the latest training and techniques to maritime professionals in nine West and Central African countries through building transparent partnerships. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Sonar Technician-Surface Second Class Blaise Desaubies) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England — U.S. Air Force Senior Airmen Julie Hansen and Timothy Kirkland, 48th Logistics Readiness Squadron air transportation journeymen, demonstrate the harnessing procedures for cargo to Romanian logistics officers visiting here Feb. 26. The officers also observed pallet building, balancing techniques for weighing cargo and cargo loading procedures. The Romanian officers visited Lakenheath from Feb. 25-29 as part of an exchange program designed to increase the efficiency for logistical operations through mutual training. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Kristopher Levasseur) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
CAMP VEARNES, Norway — Minnesota National Guardsmen follow along behind a track vehicle as they conduct cold-weather training here Feb. 18. The Guardsmen are participating in the 35th Annual U.S./Norwegian Troop Reciprocal Exchange which is a two-week winter training and a cultural exchange. (Department of Defense photo by Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jason Rolfe) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LAGOS, Nigeria — U.S. Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Brandon Cox, assigned to Patrol Squadron Detachment (PATRON) Sigonella, discusses the nose-wheel steering of a P-3C Orion aircraft with members of the Nigerian air force at Ikeja Air Force Base here Feb. 25. Members of Task Force 67, Fleet Maritime Patrol Mobile Operations Command Center Mediterranean and PATRON Sigonella are deployed to the air base for Exercise Maritime Safari 2008. The exercise is part of an on going military-to-military cooperation between the U.S. and Nigeria. (Department of Defense photo by U.S. Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason Poplin) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
VARNA, Bulgaria — U.S. Navy Gunners Mate 1st Class Nicholas Heimsoth with his Bulgarian partner, lead their eight man team to the fantail aboard the guided-missile cruiser USS San Jacinto (CG 56), after securing the bridge during Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS) drills Feb. 28. Bulgarian Sailors are training with the crew of the San Jacinto in VBSS and Damage Control techniques and procedures. USS San Jacinto is operating in the Black Sea as part of a larger international team effort to improve maritime safety and security for a region free of trans-national threats built on cooperative security that uses existing political-military constructs. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Chris Henry) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...
LAGOS, Nigeria — Sailors from Commander Task Force Six Seven, Fleet Maritime Patrol Mobile Operations Command Center, and Patrol Squadron Detachment Sigonella gather together with resident artists of Nike Art Gallery during a cultural exchange visit with the local community Feb. 24. Sailors were afforded the opportunity to learn about and observe the creation of arts and crafts, local attire, and enjoyed some of the local cuisine. Part of the on-going military-to-military cooperation between the United States and Nigeria, the Nigerian air force and Navy, under the auspices of the Defense Headquarters, are currently hosting the U.S. Navy in a joint exercise which will focus on search and rescue procedures, aircraft maintenance and best practices to improve maritime safety. (Department of Defense photo by Navy Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jason T. Poplin) Hi-res / Details / Comments ...